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That Brown wont last the season at Saints. Dreadful rugby at the minute and you can tell Eamonn is not happy. I left 30 mins early as it was painful .
No strike players whatsoever.
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| Quote ="LFC Saint"That Brown wont last the season at Saints. Dreadful rugby at the minute and you can tell Eamonn is not happy. I left 30 mins early as it was painful .
No strike players whatsoever.'"
I think leaving so early is a bit drastic but we were very poor tonight. An awful game to watch, the fans around me were just talking and having a laugh between themselves it was that bad. |
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Poor game. Monotony broken up only by like Walsh doing something interesting.
We have the players, and we all know how well some of them can play, but there's just no cohesion or structure in either our attack or defence. When we were cruising in the first 5 games I mentioned our attack was lacking structure (just hope a fast guy broke a tackle) , and merely assumed it was brown trying to save our set plays and patterns for more important games. But if anything our understanding and structure just seems to get worse and worse, as I said at half time, were a group of players, not a team.
Soliola wasn't his best, but he didn't let anybody down. By comparison Flanaghan got brushed off by vea for the Bishay try.
Thompson and Greenwood had decent games in the first and second half respectively, lms was improved on recent performances, but I have no idea how much that was because London had absolutely no line speed. Walmsley commanded the defence, and the line speed, for the first time which was pleasing, but was quiet going forward as a result. Lomaxs poor fullback play cost us a try. Hohaia had a poor game. Wilkin was generally anonymous. Dawson looked a bit of a threat.
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It was a response in the fact we won and scored 48 points but it wasn't the response I was expecting.
The attack was to predictable at times and I doubt we'd have scored 20 points without some good play be Walsh.
The line speed was better and little more urgency in defence but we let 18 points in against a poor London team and looked all at sea soon as they had any decent ball.
I thought their prop has decent game, he's played well every time I've seen him.
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| Quote ="LFC Saint"That Brown wont last the season at Saints. Dreadful rugby at the minute and you can tell Eamonn is not happy. I left 30 mins early as it was painful .
No strike players whatsoever.'"
I thought exactly the same thing earlier. Eamonn was on Sky and said all the right things but didn't look convinced to me. I wouldn't bet against a 'mutual agreement' scenario either.
Still, Brian Noble's available.  |
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We started the game with remarkable intensity and London didn't get into our half in the first quarter of the game, then we seemed to get bored and the game became an absolute chore to watch. Not really a game that I can deduce much from at all.
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| Quote ="JonB95"We started the game with remarkable intensity and London didn't get into our half in the first quarter of the game, then we seemed to get bored and the game became an absolute chore to watch. Not really a game that I can deduce much from at all.'"
Yet when they did get in our quarter they scored! |
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It was the type of game I was expecting with Saints winning at a canter through soft trys, but London also scoring some soft trys.
Its par for the course in matches against what in effect was lower division opposition.
Positives for us were the defence when in the opposition half, however this was blotted by the fundamental weakness of our defence close to the line when yet again our fringe was exposed.
Some of the youngsters got a run out again.
When watching tonights match you can see why RL is struggling as a professional sport.
The game hasn't got the playing resources for 14 professional clubs, and I think even 12 is pushing it.
With regard to Browns future , I expect him to last the season and then Saints will review were the club is at.
If we flop in the playoffs, then he will be out the door. I would expect Saints to make the final eliminator before falling to either Wigan or Leeds. A grand final appearance would probably see Brown retain his position.
The side on paper should be challenging for honours. If its meekly surrendering, like it did against Leeds and Wigan then changes on the coaching front will need to be seriously considered.
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Can someone please, please, please make a GIF of McManus's distained shake of the head when London scored that ridiculously soft try in the first half. A worrying moment if you are a player that.
Tonight just sums us up. Some fancy tries, some absolutely class moments from Walsh and Lomax but ultimately a complete lack of desire and commitment. The club to me just seems to be in a malaise, like a boat adrift at sea with no set destination. There is no focus and that steely determination that characterises champion sides just isn't there. It comes down to having a coach that cannot properly motivate his players, a team lacking a captain and lacking inspirational figures.
As the atmosphere was akin to a library it was shocking to hear how quiet Saints are as a side. Only Josh Jones seems to be at all vocal. Put an O'Loughlin, Graham or Sinfield in this side and give it a better coach and it would be fantastic. There are a lot of good players in the team and in Walsh we have the best back in the competition.
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We might struggle against Bradford next week on that performance, first 20 mins our defensive line speed was OK then it dissapeared for the rest of the match.
If Walshy didn't play today we would only have won this game by a couple of points, the only other player putting a lot of effort in would be Dawson.
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| Quote ="Saddened!"Can someone please, please, please make a GIF of McManus's distained shake of the head when London scored that ridiculously soft try in the first half. A worrying moment if you are a player that.
Tonight just sums us up. Some fancy tries, some absolutely class moments from Walsh and Lomax but ultimately a complete lack of desire and commitment. The club to me just seems to be in a malaise, like a boat adrift at sea with no set destination. There is no focus and that steely determination that characterises champion sides just isn't there. It comes down to having a coach that cannot properly motivate his players, a team lacking a captain and lacking inspirational figures.
As the atmosphere was akin to a library it was shocking to hear how quiet Saints are as a side. Only Josh Jones seems to be at all vocal. Put an O'Loughlin, Graham or Sinfield in this side and give it a better coach and it would be fantastic. There are a lot of good players in the team and in Walsh we have the best back in the competition.'"
Can you imagine the pies or Leeds tonight playing London if their owners had slagged them off? You'd have seen blood and snot!
Take lomax and Walsh out that team and we wouldn't score a try. I've said it a few times, Luke Walsh is to good for saints. |
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| Quote ="Judder Man"We might struggle against Bradford next week on that performance, first 20 mins our defensive line speed was OK then it dissapeared for the rest of the match.
If Walshy didn't play today we would only have won this game by a couple of points, the only other player putting a lot of effort in would be Dawson.'"
I've already predicted a loss next week 
Dawson puts effort in and it's something a lot of our players lack but he's not saints quality. He's not a top 4 team player IMO.
He's one of many players we have that a dead with the ball but he does try so fair play. |
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We have a decent run in now so we need a plan in hand on how to approach these types of games. Do we go hell for leather & with a settled side or rest a few each week and play at optimum efficiency, but target certain games to play at 110%?
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Ok I did not see the match.
It may have been drab. These affairs usually are. However when you look at the scoreline. It falls into what you would expect.
I predicted 50 -12.
Given that Leeds beat them 54 - 6
Wigan beat them 36 - 14
Our team was running somewhere between the strength of those two teams in terms of players.
The last time I saw Saints put a weaker team to the sword was Wigan. Once a good team gets ahead. They stop playing up the middle and start throwing the ball wide thinking it will be a try every set.
There is little you can take out of a game like this, but all sport has these uneven contests. But in a sport like RL once that intensity drops it's very difficult to get it back up. Saints were never going to lose and once that was clear, all teams and players switch off and start thinking about something else.
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Highlight of the night was the messing about in the warm up. Other than a touch of frostbite and hypothermia a night to forget.
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| Quote ="roader"Highlight of the night was the messing about in the warm up. Other than a touch of frostbite and hypothermia a night to forget.'"
It was cold tonight. I got in my car and it said 9 Degrees. Hahah I don't think so! |
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| Quote ="LFC Saint"That Brown wont last the season at Saints. Dreadful rugby at the minute and you can tell Eamonn is not happy. I left 30 mins early as it was painful .
No strike players whatsoever.'"
Just out of intrest, what odds are you offering?  |
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www.saintsrlfc.com/news/page/4003?
What's concerning is "we need our fair share of luck" - what coach works on needing luck???
Also, what's "a growing team"? (From other post match reports)
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www.saintsrlfc.com/news/page/4003?
What's concerning is "we need our fair share of luck" - what coach works on needing luck???
Also, what's "a growing team"? (From other post match reports)
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The statement on the club website and in the MEN is a clear dig at Nathan Brown.
The capitalisation of the second 'THAT' is a very obvious criticism of something Brown has done or not done that has annoyed McManus.
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| Quote ="Saddened!"The statement on the club website and in the MEN is a clear dig at Nathan Brown.
The capitalisation of the second 'THAT' is a very obvious criticism of something Brown has done or not done that has annoyed McManus.'"
You mean:
Quote ="McManus"
I never offer a view or opinion at that time as emotions are often running too high, or too low. And more importantly, I totally believe that THAT must be the job and the domain of the coach whose authority must be absolute at all times over players.
'"
?
I admit, there's a number of options for whom the intended target for that statement is, but not one of them is brown :s unless you think brown is trying to avoid that part of his job? |
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| Quote ="Saddened!"The statement on the club website and in the MEN is a clear dig at Nathan Brown.
The capitalisation of the second 'THAT' is a very obvious criticism of something Brown has done or not done that has annoyed McManus.'"
Have you (or anyone else) got a link for this please mate? I have no idea what's been said... |
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| Quote ="Twentyman"Have you (or anyone else) got a link for this please mate? I have no idea what's been said...'"
Found it. My head's not firing on all cylinders tonight. |
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Quote ="Twentyman"Have you (or anyone else) got a link for this please mate? I have no idea what's been said...'"
www.saintsrlfc.com/news/page/4002?
SAINTS Chairman, Eamonn McManus, wrote in the Manchester Evening News today:
I must admit that the recent defeats by Wigan and Leeds were as upsetting to me personally as anything I've experienced in the fourteen years of my very proud chairmanship of the Saints.
It was the manner and timing of our defeats that hurt so much. We just seemed to be out-enthused as much as outplayed. Prior to that we had played so well and fought hard in nine consecutive victories since the season started. But the Wigan and Leeds games were of much greater importance being against our bitter rivals and required our game to be raised further. We didn't do that which is why it is so difficult to deal with - but deal with it we absolutely must!
Although I am a lifelong Saints fan and rugby league nut, which is the only reason I'm involved in the sport, it is always essential that I carry out my role as Chairman in a dignified and professional manner. I am always conscious that I am a senior standard bearer of my club, my sport and my town. After very game I visit the dressing room briefly to shake the hand of every player in congratulation or in commiseration and likewise with the coaching staff. I never offer a view or opinion at that time as emotions are often running too high, or too low. And more importantly, I totally believe that THAT must be the job and the domain of the coach whose authority must be absolute at all times over players.
So, what I do is wait for a couple of days and then meet up over a coffee with our coach Nathan Brown and our CEO Mike Rush to have a clear- headed debrief in the cold light of day and to plan ahead. Although I must admit that this time my head is still not quite clear!
We now have a fabulous and plush new stadium at St. Helens as well as world class training facilities - a far cry from the very basic environment of Knowsley Road which produced generations of warrior athletes who have gone down in rugby league history. It was said of the British navy at the end of the Nineteenth century that iron men in wooden boats were replaced by wooden men in iron boats. It's my job to ensure that this doesn't now happen to us after the move from Knowsley Road to Langtree Park.
As disappointing as this very short period has been, I firmly believe we have the talent and the will to win the main prize of Super League - the Grand Final. We have to grind our way through the next five months and then raise our game to the required heights in the play offs. It is all about mindset and timing. The key to success now is that we learn all we can from these recent defeats and ensure that, when it really counts, we perform better and at a higher level.
A win against London Broncos tonight would be the first small step in that process and I'm sure that our fans will continue to get behind us in the brilliant way that they have all this season.
There was apparently more in the match day programme - along the lines of were being nice people playing nice rugby, when we should be ruthless winners |
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Quote ="Twentyman"Have you (or anyone else) got a link for this please mate? I have no idea what's been said...'"
www.saintsrlfc.com/news/page/4002?
SAINTS Chairman, Eamonn McManus, wrote in the Manchester Evening News today:
I must admit that the recent defeats by Wigan and Leeds were as upsetting to me personally as anything I've experienced in the fourteen years of my very proud chairmanship of the Saints.
It was the manner and timing of our defeats that hurt so much. We just seemed to be out-enthused as much as outplayed. Prior to that we had played so well and fought hard in nine consecutive victories since the season started. But the Wigan and Leeds games were of much greater importance being against our bitter rivals and required our game to be raised further. We didn't do that which is why it is so difficult to deal with - but deal with it we absolutely must!
Although I am a lifelong Saints fan and rugby league nut, which is the only reason I'm involved in the sport, it is always essential that I carry out my role as Chairman in a dignified and professional manner. I am always conscious that I am a senior standard bearer of my club, my sport and my town. After very game I visit the dressing room briefly to shake the hand of every player in congratulation or in commiseration and likewise with the coaching staff. I never offer a view or opinion at that time as emotions are often running too high, or too low. And more importantly, I totally believe that THAT must be the job and the domain of the coach whose authority must be absolute at all times over players.
So, what I do is wait for a couple of days and then meet up over a coffee with our coach Nathan Brown and our CEO Mike Rush to have a clear- headed debrief in the cold light of day and to plan ahead. Although I must admit that this time my head is still not quite clear!
We now have a fabulous and plush new stadium at St. Helens as well as world class training facilities - a far cry from the very basic environment of Knowsley Road which produced generations of warrior athletes who have gone down in rugby league history. It was said of the British navy at the end of the Nineteenth century that iron men in wooden boats were replaced by wooden men in iron boats. It's my job to ensure that this doesn't now happen to us after the move from Knowsley Road to Langtree Park.
As disappointing as this very short period has been, I firmly believe we have the talent and the will to win the main prize of Super League - the Grand Final. We have to grind our way through the next five months and then raise our game to the required heights in the play offs. It is all about mindset and timing. The key to success now is that we learn all we can from these recent defeats and ensure that, when it really counts, we perform better and at a higher level.
A win against London Broncos tonight would be the first small step in that process and I'm sure that our fans will continue to get behind us in the brilliant way that they have all this season.
There was apparently more in the match day programme - along the lines of were being nice people playing nice rugby, when we should be ruthless winners | |
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| Quote ="Magic Superbeetle"You mean:
?
I admit, there's a number of options for whom the intended target for that statement is, but not one of them is brown :s unless you think brown is trying to avoid that part of his job?'"
I do.
"And more importantly, I totally believe that THAT must be the job and the domain of the coach whose authority must be absolute at all times over players."
Why else would it be capitalised? Capitalising it makes no sense at all if it's not in the context of the job of the coach. Although it's not possible to identify what exactly has gone on, it's clear McManus isn't happy with Brown. The way I read it Brown has either done something McManus doesn't see as his job and he's telling him to pack it in and start motivating the players or something he's not done, for example having sufficient authority in the post game moments and letting the players know what is expected.
If it was meant for someone else in the backroom, Cunningham for example, or a player he would capitalise COACH. Capitalising the THAT ties it specifically to the coach's undertaking of their role.
Unless of course the media manager has just ballsed it up and put a finger on the caps lock by mistake. |
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| Quote ="Magic Superbeetle"www.saintsrlfc.com/news/page/4002?
SAINTS Chairman, Eamonn McManus, wrote in the Manchester Evening News today:
I must admit that the recent defeats by Wigan and Leeds were as upsetting to me personally as anything I've experienced in the fourteen years of my very proud chairmanship of the Saints.
It was the manner and timing of our defeats that hurt so much. We just seemed to be out-enthused as much as outplayed. Prior to that we had played so well and fought hard in nine consecutive victories since the season started. But the Wigan and Leeds games were of much greater importance being against our bitter rivals and required our game to be raised further. We didn't do that which is why it is so difficult to deal with - but deal with it we absolutely must!
Although I am a lifelong Saints fan and rugby league nut, which is the only reason I'm involved in the sport, it is always essential that I carry out my role as Chairman in a dignified and professional manner. I am always conscious that I am a senior standard bearer of my club, my sport and my town. After very game I visit the dressing room briefly to shake the hand of every player in congratulation or in commiseration and likewise with the coaching staff. I never offer a view or opinion at that time as emotions are often running too high, or too low. And more importantly, I totally believe that THAT must be the job and the domain of the coach whose authority must be absolute at all times over players.
So, what I do is wait for a couple of days and then meet up over a coffee with our coach Nathan Brown and our CEO Mike Rush to have a clear- headed debrief in the cold light of day and to plan ahead. Although I must admit that this time my head is still not quite clear!
We now have a fabulous and plush new stadium at St. Helens as well as world class training facilities - a far cry from the very basic environment of Knowsley Road which produced generations of warrior athletes who have gone down in rugby league history. It was said of the British navy at the end of the Nineteenth century that iron men in wooden boats were replaced by wooden men in iron boats. It's my job to ensure that this doesn't now happen to us after the move from Knowsley Road to Langtree Park.
As disappointing as this very short period has been, I firmly believe we have the talent and the will to win the main prize of Super League - the Grand Final. We have to grind our way through the next five months and then raise our game to the required heights in the play offs. It is all about mindset and timing. The key to success now is that we learn all we can from these recent defeats and ensure that, when it really counts, we perform better and at a higher level.
A win against London Broncos tonight would be the first small step in that process and I'm sure that our fans will continue to get behind us in the brilliant way that they have all this season.
There was apparently more in the match day programme - along the lines of were being nice people playing nice rugby, when we should be ruthless winners'"
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